New regulations on banning of plastic bags

For a smooth transition to a plastic bag-free Mauritius, the Environment Protection (Banning of Plastic Bags) Regulations 2015 (Government Notice No. 153 of 2015)have been amended to avoid all confusion around the definitions of plastic and plastic bags.

The regulations prohibit import, manufacture, sale, or supply of a plastic bag as from 01st January 2016

The regulations concern only the “sacs de caisse, roll-on bags, etc.”, which are designed to carry goods purchased at points of sale such as wholesale and retail outlets, markets, fairs and hawkers.

The import, manufacture, sale or supply of biodegradable and compostable plastic bags is allowed subject to strict conformity to appropriate standards specified in the regulations.

The regulations do not allow for non-woven polypropylene bags.

Information to Importers and Manufacturers of Exempted Plastic Bags

All importers and manufacturers of exempted plastic bagsmust register with the Director of Environment.The Registration Form can be downloaded from the Ministry’s website http://environment.govmu.org

Any person who contravenes these regulations shall commit an offence and shall, on conviction, be liable to a fine not exceeding 10,000 rupees.

The banning of plastic bags is a National Environmental Initiative and the Ministry relies on the collaboration of all for its successful implementation.

Let’s act together and responsibly for a Cleaner, Greener and Safer Mauritius.

Ministry of Environment, Sustainable Development, and Disaster and Beach Management